The lazy days of summer are stretching towards their golden finale, and the last thing you want to do is spend them chained to the kitchen sink. Feeding the whole crew for these final hurrahs can feel like a financial juggling act, especially with back-to-school preparations looming. But fear not, savvy vacationers! This week-long meal plan is your ticket to delicious August feasts on budget. These easy-on-the-wallet recipes will keep your family happy and fueled for all their adventures, ensuring a memorable end to the summer season.
Here’s why this plan is your ticket to a stress-free and budget-friendly August:
- Simple & Speedy Dishes: Minimal prep meets maximum flavor! These are designed to get you back to enjoying the sunshine and laughter in no time.
- Seasonal Savvy: We’ll utilize the bounty of August’s harvest with affordable ingredients and pantry staples. Leftover magic is key too!
- Family Fun in the Kitchen: These recipes are sure to please everyone at the table. Getting the whole crew involved in meal prep can be a fun bonding experience, and a great way to teach valuable life skills.
So, grab your grocery bags, gather your crew, and let’s embark on a week of delicious and affordable august feasts on budget! With a little planning and these creative, you can make the most of summer’s final days, creating memories that will last long after the school bell rings.
1- The Easiest Pizza
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (thinly sliced)
- 1 bell pepper (any color, sliced)
- 1 red onion (sliced)
- 1 green pepper (sliced)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp fajita seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large bowl, toss together the thinly sliced chicken breast, bell peppers (any color will work!), and red onion. Drizzle them with olive oil, fajita seasoning, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper for added flavor. Spread the colorful mixture evenly on a baking sheet and let the oven do the work! Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender-crisp but still hold their shape(find the full method with measurements on the fantastic King Arthur Baking). Serve immediately with warm tortillas and all your favorite fajita toppings for a delicious August feasts on budget and an easy weeknight meal.
2- Soft Wrap Bread
Ingredients:
- All-purpose flour
- Active dry yeast
- Warm water
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Honey (optional)
Instructions:
In a large bowl, toss together the flour, yeast, warm water, olive oil, and salt. Mix until a shaggy dough forms. Knead for a few minutes on a lightly floured surface until smooth and elastic. Set the dough aside in a warm place for about an hour to rise. Divide the dough into equal portions, roll them out into thin rounds, and cook on a hot skillet for a few minutes per side until golden brown.
These soft wraps are incredibly versatile and can be filled with anything from leftover grilled chicken and veggies to deli meats and cheeses. Check out King Arthur Baking, a cheap staple to have on hand throughout your holiday week of August feasts on budget.
3- Garlic-Herb Mac & Cheese
- Elbow macaroni
- Butter
- Milk
- Garlic (freshly minced is best!)
- Shredded cheese (cheddar, parmesan, or your favorite blend)
- Fresh herbs (optional: parsley, chives)
Whip Up Creamy Goodness:
Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions. While the pasta simmers, melt butter in a saucepan and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant. Whisk in milk to create a creamy base. Add shredded cheese and a sprinkle of salt and pepper, letting it melt until smooth and gooey. Toss the cooked pasta in the cheesy sauce, coating it evenly. For an extra burst of summer freshness, sprinkle with chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives before serving. This is a breeze to whip up, making it ideal for busy weeknights during your end of vacation. Plus, it’s easy on the wallet and guaranteed to bring smiles to the table!
4- Pulled Pork
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Pork shoulder (bone-in or boneless)
- BBQ sauce (your favorite)
- Brown sugar
- Dry mustard
- Spices (onion & garlic powder)
Simple Steps:
Toss the pork in your slow cooker. In a bowl, whisk together your favorite BBQ sauce with brown sugar, dry mustard, and spices. Generously coat the pork. Let it cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until tender and easily shredded. This easy, economical pulled pork feeds a crowd, leaving you more time for summer fun!
Bonus: Whip up coleslaw and baked beans for classic sides!
5- Texas Toast
Here’s your pantry staple shopping list:
- Thick-cut white bread
- Butter (melted)
- Garlic powder (optional, for extra flavor)
Texas Toast in a Flash! Brush thick-cut bread with melted butter (add a sprinkle of garlic powder for extra oomph, if you like). Ovened at 400°F (200°C) for 5-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy. Enjoy them plain for a satisfying bite, or get creative with toppings! Pile on cheese, leftover chili, pulled pork, or even a sweet twist with cinnamon sugar. These versatile bites are perfect for a quick summer snack or a fun base for endless flavor combinations.
6- Apple Pie
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Sweet apples (choose your favorites!)
- All-purpose flour
- Butter (cold for the crust)
- Sugar (granulated & brown)
- Spices (cinnamon, nutmeg)
- Lemon juice (a squeeze for added brightness)
Simple Steps to Sweet Success:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Whip up a flaky crust using flour and cold butter. While the dough chills, thinly slice your favorite apples and toss them with a mixture of sugar, warm spices, and a squeeze of lemon juice for a touch of brightness. Fill the prepared crust with the apple mixture, bake until golden brown and bubbly, and enjoy a slice of summer’s sweet finale!
7- No-Knead Cheese Burger Buns
What You’ll Need:
- Bread flour (for a light and airy texture)
- Milk powder (adds richness)
- Potato flour (improves softness)
- Instant yeast
- Sugar
- Butter
- Water
Bake Up Burger Bliss:
In a large bowl, combine the bread flour, milk powder, potato flour, yeast, and sugar. Make a well in the center and add softened butter and warm water. Mix everything until a soft dough forms. Knead for a few minutes until smooth and elastic. Give your dough time to shine and doubles in size.Shape the dough into smooth rolls and let them rise again on a baking sheet.
Pop them in the oven preheated to 400°F (200°C) and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until they’re a beautiful golden brown all over. These homemade buns are a step above store-bought options, adding a touch of homemade magic to your summer barbecues. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to make with pantry staples for best august feasts on budget!
8- Chocolate Ice Cream Sandwiches
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Chocolate cookies (homemade or store-bought)
- Vanilla ice cream (or your favorite flavor!)
Beat the summer heat with homemade ice cream sandwiches! Make your own chocolate chip cookies (check King Arthur Baking’s website for a recipe twist!) or grab store-bought ones. Soften ice cream, scoop onto half the cookies, top with remaining cookies, and freeze for 30 minutes. Enjoy these customizable and modest treats all week long during your thoughts about savings of August feasts on budget!
9- Garden Focaccia
- Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, oregano—any combination you love!)
- Cherry tomatoes, halved
- Olive oil
- All-purpose flour
- Yeast
- Salt
Simple Magic Steps
Fresh flavors meet simple prep! Combine flour, yeast, salt, olive oil, and water to form a soft dough. Let your dough rise in a warm spot for about an hour. Once risen, dimple the dough on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and scatter with your favorite fresh herbs and halved cherry tomatoes. Let it rise again (30 minutes) before baking at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown. This focaccia is a beautiful and flavorful august feasts on budget for any summer meal – perfect for lunch, appetizers, or barbecues!
10- Classic Chocolate Whoopie Pies
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Cocoa powder
- All-purpose flour
- Butter
- Sugar
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- Marshmallow fluff (or homemade marshmallow creme)
Whip Up Sweet Summer Treats:
Combine cocoa powder, flour, and other dry ingredients. Beat softened butter & sugar in a bowl until fluffy. Then, beat the egg with vanilla. Mix the wet and dry ingredients for a smooth batter. Bake the batter into cookies, then sandwich them together with a generous layer of marshmallow fluff. These whoopie pies are a delightful sweet treat that’s easy to make and perfect for satisfying summer cravings!
Bonus Tip
Don’t forget to get creative with leftovers! Leftover pulled pork can be transformed into delicious tacos or quesadillas, while leftover chicken can be used in salads or wraps. With a little planning and these easy recipes, you can stretch your August Feasts on budget even further.
Here’s to a memorable end to your summer vacation, filled with delicious food and happy faces!
